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Community News: Dec. 13

Published: Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:25 a.m.

Four Seasons Rotary Club hosts Santa Claus at Christmas Party

The Four Seasons Rotary Club and friends renewed their long tradition of hosting Santa Claus at a Christmas Party for more than 125 home-base Henderson County Head Start children and parents at the Whitmire Center in Hendersonville.

With the assistance of Four Seasons Rotarians, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus presented each of the Head Start children with a wrapped gift and a teddy bear. Magician Danny Williams of Louis Williams & Sons Hardware entertained the children and their parents with a magic show.

Rotarians provide money for the Teddy bears for the children and a wrapped gift. After each child's visit with Santa, the Rotarians served cookies, punch and other goodies.

Marty Geyer, Four Season Rotary's project chairman, said the club started its Head Start Christmas project as a community service more than 25 years ago for the purpose of giving the children and their parents the opportunity to learn a little about Christmas in Henderson County.

Western Carolina Community Action sponsors the Home-Base Head Start program for young children in Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties. The program serves 130 children who are unable to attend a regular Head Start program.

Veronica Unda leads the program as coordinator for the Home-Base Head Start program. The teachers, who visit each of the children on a regular basis, include Claudia Thomas, Vicky Antiveras, Maribel Milkes, Elizabeth Gundin, Maria Dubon, Marisela Cruz-Rios, Noelia Cruz-Rios, Angelica Toro, Jennifer Maynor, Nadia Oviedo, and Veronica Milner.

Four Seasons Rotary Club meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at Claddagh Inn. The club welcomes visitors.

Fourth-grade students learn about being a responsible pet owner

Community Partnership for Pet Inc. and Hendersonville Elementary School co-sponsored a six-week Pet Responsibility Program to teach fourth-grade students about being responsible pet owners.

The program included information on how to keep your pets safe and healthy. It also emphasized the importance of spay/neuter and vaccinations for all dogs and cats.

Community Partnership for Pets would like to thank Principal Shannon Marlowe, school Counselor Martha Sloan, fourth-grade teacher Amanda Upton and the parents and students for allowing Community Partnership for Pets to bring this program to the students.

To close out the six-week program, students attended an assembly program where the following winners of an essay contest were recognized: Anna Marie Jones, Alex Lemmens and Allie Manning Lucas. Also part of the assembly was a special guest speaker, Mr. Larry Stocker and his seeing eye dog, Ira. Mr. Stocker fielded many good questions from the students about being blind and how Ira helps him with his daily life.

If you would like more information about the Pet Responsibility Class, please call Mary Cervini, Community Partnership for Pets, at 828-693-5172.

Reynolds elected to the Board of Directors

Brevard College Geology Professor Jim Reynolds was elected to the Board of Directors of the Galapagos Conservancy during the board's Nov. 11 meeting in New York City.

Reynolds has led three field trips to the Galapagos Islands, one for Brevard College and two for the Appalachian College Association. The islands, which are a part of Ecuador, straddle the Equator about 600 miles west of the South American mainland.

"The Galapagos Islands are a remarkable natural laboratory for biologists and geologists." said Reynolds, who has taught at Brevard College since 1999. "Every time I go there I feel as though I've been transported to a land that time forgot. I am honored to serve on the Conservancy's Board."

Reynolds plans to lead a second Brevard College trip to the archipelago next summer. A typical visit lasts eight days, during which group members live on a yacht that transports them between islands during the night. Daily hikes and snorkeling excursions on the islands and in their surrounding waters introduce the group to a unique flora and fauna as well as volcanoes.

The Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands. Collectively, Conservancy members represent the largest source of private funding for Galapagos conservation.

Wiener joins Family Resource Center

Jamie Wiener joined the Children and Family Resource Center in November as communications and grant writing coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mars Hill College with dual concentrations in English as a Second Language and Reading.

Wiener worked in the public school system teaching ESL for three years, then decided she wanted to campaign for children and the community through outreach and grant writing. The position involves fundraising, program promotion, marketing and community engagement.

TD gives $2,500 to Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra

The TD Charitable Foundation, funded by TD Bank, recently donated $2,500 to the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra as part of the bank's commitment to giving back to the community.

Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization committed to musical enrichment through live symphonic concerts and instrumental music education for all ages throughout its 40-year history in Henderson County. Funds from the TD Charitable Foundation will provide funding for third- and sixth-grade educational concerts by HSO in collaboration with Henderson County Public Schools and Blue Ridge Community College.

The 2012-13 Grade School Education Concert Series will provide educational and cultural experiences for more than 2,400 third- and sixth graders of public, charter and private schools as well as home-schooled children at no charge.

In addition, 100 teachers, school administrators, parents, HSO board members and HSO staff will attend the concerts, held rent-free at the BRCC auditorium that fosters special behavior and stimulates students in a different learning environment.

More than 2,000 pounds of food collected for IAM

During the month of November, St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock participates in a Thanks/Giving program for Interfaith Assistance Ministries in Hendersonville. This year the goal of the parish was to collect 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food for IAM.

For the first year, the Young Families Ministries was involved and collected 263 pounds of food toward the goal. The total is 2,334 pounds, and the parish is grateful for the donations of its members.

Interfaith Assistance Ministry's needs are every day, every week, every month, all year long. You are encouraged to think of their Food Pantry often when you shop. They can also use good clothing and bed linens.

Farm Bureau holds recognition Luncheon

The annual meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was held Dec. 2-4 at the Sheraton Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

Henderson County Farm Bureau President Danny McConnell was recognized among his peers at the Presidents' and Agents' Luncheon. Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten presented each winning county president with a limited edition Case knife.

Each county's agency force worked hard to qualify their county president for this recognition. Special plaques were also presented to the agents and agencies whose production was superior during the contest period.

Ethan Nix earns rank of Eagle Scout

Ethan Nix, 16, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and will be presented with the honors at 1 p.m. Dec. 30 at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville. Nix is a member of Troop 605 and is sponsored by Edneyville Grange #1051.

Nix, a junior at Hendersonville High School, erected a 25-foot flag pole at Edneyville Community Center as his project. Floodlamp lighting was provided to ensure proper etiquette for nighttime display. The ground was also conditioned at the base of the pole.

Nix's project won first place for the 2012 Beautification Award, which is presented by the Henderson County Center of the Cooperative Extension.

Nix plays basketball and pole vaults for the Bearcats and is a lifeguard at Hendersonville Country Club. As a Scout, he has served as troop guide, scribe and assistant patrol leader. He has earned 22 merit badges and was awarded the Order of the Arrow, God and Family, God and Me, Arrow of Light and the BSA Lifeguard awards.

Nix spent five years as a Cub Scout and 5-and-a-half years as a Scout.

TD Bank presents check for $25,000 to MANNA

Representatives of TD Bank present a check for $25,000 to MANNA FoodBank on behalf of TD Charitable Foundation. The donation was made to help feed Western North Carolina families during the holidays.

<p>Four Seasons Rotary Club hosts Santa Claus at Christmas Party</p><p>The Four Seasons Rotary Club and friends renewed their long tradition of hosting Santa Claus at a Christmas Party for more than 125 home-base Henderson County Head Start children and parents at the Whitmire Center in Hendersonville. </p><p>With the assistance of Four Seasons Rotarians, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus presented each of the Head Start children with a wrapped gift and a teddy bear. Magician Danny Williams of Louis Williams & Sons Hardware entertained the children and their parents with a magic show.</p><p>Rotarians provide money for the Teddy bears for the children and a wrapped gift. After each child's visit with Santa, the Rotarians served cookies, punch and other goodies.</p><p>Marty Geyer, Four Season Rotary's project chairman, said the club started its Head Start Christmas project as a community service more than 25 years ago for the purpose of giving the children and their parents the opportunity to learn a little about Christmas in Henderson County. </p><p>Western Carolina Community Action sponsors the Home-Base Head Start program for young children in Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties. The program serves 130 children who are unable to attend a regular Head Start program. </p><p>Veronica Unda leads the program as coordinator for the Home-Base Head Start program. The teachers, who visit each of the children on a regular basis, include Claudia Thomas, Vicky Antiveras, Maribel Milkes, Elizabeth Gundin, Maria Dubon, Marisela Cruz-Rios, Noelia Cruz-Rios, Angelica Toro, Jennifer Maynor, Nadia Oviedo, and Veronica Milner.</p><p>Four Seasons Rotary Club meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at Claddagh Inn. The club welcomes visitors.</p><p>Fourth-grade students learn about being a responsible pet owner</p><p>Community Partnership for Pet Inc. and Hendersonville Elementary School co-sponsored a six-week Pet Responsibility Program to teach fourth-grade students about being responsible pet owners.</p><p>The program included information on how to keep your pets safe and healthy. It also emphasized the importance of spay/neuter and vaccinations for all dogs and cats. </p><p>Community Partnership for Pets would like to thank Principal Shannon Marlowe, school Counselor Martha Sloan, fourth-grade teacher Amanda Upton and the parents and students for allowing Community Partnership for Pets to bring this program to the students.</p><p>To close out the six-week program, students attended an assembly program where the following winners of an essay contest were recognized: Anna Marie Jones, Alex Lemmens and Allie Manning Lucas. Also part of the assembly was a special guest speaker, Mr. Larry Stocker and his seeing eye dog, Ira. Mr. Stocker fielded many good questions from the students about being blind and how Ira helps him with his daily life. </p><p>If you would like more information about the Pet Responsibility Class, please call Mary Cervini, Community Partnership for Pets, at 828-693-5172. </p><p>Reynolds elected to the Board of Directors</p><p>Brevard College Geology Professor Jim Reynolds was elected to the Board of Directors of the Galapagos Conservancy during the board's Nov. 11 meeting in New York City.</p><p>Reynolds has led three field trips to the Galapagos Islands, one for Brevard College and two for the Appalachian College Association. The islands, which are a part of Ecuador, straddle the Equator about 600 miles west of the South American mainland.</p><p>"The Galapagos Islands are a remarkable natural laboratory for biologists and geologists." said Reynolds, who has taught at Brevard College since 1999. "Every time I go there I feel as though I've been transported to a land that time forgot. I am honored to serve on the Conservancy's Board."</p><p>Reynolds plans to lead a second Brevard College trip to the archipelago next summer. A typical visit lasts eight days, during which group members live on a yacht that transports them between islands during the night. Daily hikes and snorkeling excursions on the islands and in their surrounding waters introduce the group to a unique flora and fauna as well as volcanoes.</p><p>The Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands. Collectively, Conservancy members represent the largest source of private funding for Galapagos conservation.</p><p>Wiener joins Family Resource Center</p><p>Jamie Wiener joined the Children and Family Resource Center in November as communications and grant writing coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mars Hill College with dual concentrations in English as a Second Language and Reading. </p><p>Wiener worked in the public school system teaching ESL for three years, then decided she wanted to campaign for children and the community through outreach and grant writing. The position involves fundraising, program promotion, marketing and community engagement.</p><p>TD gives $2,500 to Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra</p><p>The TD Charitable Foundation, funded by TD Bank, recently donated $2,500 to the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra as part of the bank's commitment to giving back to the community.</p><p>Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization committed to musical enrichment through live symphonic concerts and instrumental music education for all ages throughout its 40-year history in Henderson County. Funds from the TD Charitable Foundation will provide funding for third- and sixth-grade educational concerts by HSO in collaboration with Henderson County Public Schools and Blue Ridge Community College. </p><p>The 2012-13 Grade School Education Concert Series will provide educational and cultural experiences for more than 2,400 third- and sixth graders of public, charter and private schools as well as home-schooled children at no charge. </p><p>In addition, 100 teachers, school administrators, parents, HSO board members and HSO staff will attend the concerts, held rent-free at the BRCC auditorium that fosters special behavior and stimulates students in a different learning environment.</p><p></p><p>More than 2,000 pounds of food collected for IAM</p><p>During the month of November, St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock participates in a Thanks/Giving program for Interfaith Assistance Ministries in Hendersonville. This year the goal of the parish was to collect 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food for IAM.</p><p>For the first year, the Young Families Ministries was involved and collected 263 pounds of food toward the goal. The total is 2,334 pounds, and the parish is grateful for the donations of its members. </p><p>Interfaith Assistance Ministry's needs are every day, every week, every month, all year long. You are encouraged to think of their Food Pantry often when you shop. They can also use good clothing and bed linens. </p><p>Farm Bureau holds recognition Luncheon</p><p>The annual meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was held Dec. 2-4 at the Sheraton Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. </p><p>Henderson County Farm Bureau President Danny McConnell was recognized among his peers at the Presidents' and Agents' Luncheon. Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten presented each winning county president with a limited edition Case knife. </p><p>Each county's agency force worked hard to qualify their county president for this recognition. Special plaques were also presented to the agents and agencies whose production was superior during the contest period.</p><p>Ethan Nix earns rank of Eagle Scout </p><p>Ethan Nix, 16, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and will be presented with the honors at 1 p.m. Dec. 30 at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville. Nix is a member of Troop 605 and is sponsored by Edneyville Grange #1051. </p><p>Nix, a junior at Hendersonville High School, erected a 25-foot flag pole at Edneyville Community Center as his project. Floodlamp lighting was provided to ensure proper etiquette for nighttime display. The ground was also conditioned at the base of the pole. </p><p>Nix's project won first place for the 2012 Beautification Award, which is presented by the Henderson County Center of the Cooperative Extension.</p><p>Nix plays basketball and pole vaults for the Bearcats and is a lifeguard at Hendersonville Country Club. As a Scout, he has served as troop guide, scribe and assistant patrol leader. He has earned 22 merit badges and was awarded the Order of the Arrow, God and Family, God and Me, Arrow of Light and the BSA Lifeguard awards.</p><p>Nix spent five years as a Cub Scout and 5-and-a-half years as a Scout.</p><p>TD Bank presents check for $25,000 to MANNA</p><p>Representatives of TD Bank present a check for $25,000 to MANNA FoodBank on behalf of TD Charitable Foundation. The donation was made to help feed Western North Carolina families during the holidays.</p>